The Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Bagudu has decried the rising effects of climate change to the potentials of the fishery sector in the state, saying that climate change is frustrating the sector in the country.

Speaking while receiving officials of the World Fish Programme in Birnin Kebbi, the Governor expressed concerns over the Matanfada river, the venue of the prestigious Argungu International Fishing Festival, which according to him is already drying up.

Gov. Bagudu who said his administration is willing to invest in the sector, also remarked that“the state has the potential to do much better in fishery, just like rice farming. We are going to improve fishing activities in the state because Kebbi is the home of farmers and fishery.

“Many fishermen around Nigeria particularly in places like Bornu, Kogi, Taraba are from Kebbi, we acknowledge that climate change is frustrating our fishing activities in the country.

“In 2018 I visited Argungu, the Emir of Argungu took me to Matanfada, we stood on its stone and he said never in his life had he ever seen the stone with his naked eyes which were at the bottom of the river, but now drying up.”

The Governor also disclosed that the state is collaborating with the World Fish Programme. He charged the officials to work with the local experts to improve the current situation of the river.

On his part, the World Fish Programme Coordinator, Dr. Harrison Charo revealed that the governor sent an invitation to help exploit the huge fish potential in the state.

“We are ready to work and improve the status of fishing activities in the state,” he added.

SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA